NCT05292339 · Emory University
Ketorolac in Upper Extremity Tendinopathy and Arthropathy
What this study is about
Osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory conditions of the tendons and joints of the shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist are common yet disabling diseases. Standard management utilizes conservative measures to minimize pain and improve function.
View original scientific description
Osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory conditions of the tendons and joints of the shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist are common yet disabling diseases. Standard management utilizes conservative measures to minimize pain and improve function. Conservative pharmacological management commonly includes corticosteroid and ketorolac injections which have been well investigated as a modality of pain control and improved function in large joint OA.
Interventions
DRUG
Triamcinolone injection to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand
Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid that decreases the inflammatory process by inhibiting the release of arachidonic acid from phospholipids.
DRUG
Ketorolac injection to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand
Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation by inhibiting Cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 dependent prostaglandin release via the cyclooxygenase pathway.
Primary outcome measures
Changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, 24 weeks
Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires to evaluate their pain at each follow-up visit. The visual analog scale or visual analog scale (VAS) is a psychometric response scale that can be used in questionnaires. It is a measurement instrument for subjective characteristics or attitudes that cannot be directly measured. When responding to a VAS item, respondents specify their level of agreement to a statement by indicating a position along a continuous line between two end-points. The Visual Analog Scale will be the subjective measurement to evaluate changes in pain scores, with values ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (very severe pain).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 18 or older,
- symptomatic tendinopathy or arthropathy of the shoulder, elbow, hand, or wrist who have not undergone prior surgical treatment for their condition.
- Diagnoses may include trigger finger, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, radiocarpal osteoarthritis, first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis, metacarpophalangeal joint osteoarthritis, or proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients under the age of 18,
- Patients who have undergone prior triamcinolone or ketorolac injections within the past 6 months,
- Patients who have undergone prior surgical treatment for their hand condition,
- Patients with allergy or contraindication to triamcinolone or ketorolac injection,
- Patients with an active infection at the treatment site \[active infection defined as cellulitis, purulence, fever, chills, or presence of elevated inflammatory markers, ie. white blood cells (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive p
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
Collaborators
American Association for Hand Surgery: AAHS
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 24, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations